1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
